Senior benefits in Floyd County, Iowa

Elderbridge Agency on Aging is the Area Agency on Aging for Floyd County and 28 other counties in north central, northwest and central Iowa. Its services include information and assistance, options counseling, case management, congregate and home-delivered meals, nutrition counseling, falls prevention classes, family caregiver support (support groups, training and help finding respite care), help for grandparents and older relatives age 55 and up who are raising a child, elder abuse prevention, legal assistance on elder rights issues, and Medicare help. Meals can have a wait list. Elderbridge has offices in Mason City, Fort Dodge, Carroll and Spencer. Call 800-243-0678.

Estimated service value: $200–$2,000 a year

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps pay part of your winter heating costs with a one-time payment to your heating or fuel company. Extra help may be available to repair or replace a furnace, or for an air conditioner for medical reasons. Income must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. People age 60 and over or with a disability can apply October 1 through April 30; all other households can apply November 1 through April 30. In Floyd County, North Iowa Community Action (NICAO) takes applications at its outreach office at 404 N. Jackson in Charles City; call 641-228-2893 or toll free 800-873-1899.

Estimated bill savings: $80–$800 a year

Iowa Health and Human Services (HHS) has a local office in Floyd County at 1206 S. Main Street in Charles City. It serves Bremer, Chickasaw, Floyd and Mitchell counties. Call 641-228-5713. Iowa HHS runs help programs such as SNAP food assistance (formerly food stamps), LIHEAP heating help, rent assistance and WIC.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Floyd County Medical Center in Charles City offers discounted services through its financial assistance program. Eligibility is based on income and family size, using the Federal Poverty guidelines. Financial assistance cannot be used for deductibles, copays or coinsurance. Send the application to the Business Office at 800 11th Street, Charles City, or email patientadvocate@fcmhosp.com. Call 641-228-6830.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Region 2 Transit, run by the North Iowa Area Council of Governments (NIACOG), gives rides to the general public, including people with disabilities, in Floyd County and the rest of north central Iowa. Call 641-715-1314 to schedule a ride (7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday). Fares for elderly, disabled and student riders are $1.00 for city service, $2.00 for travel within a county, and $3.00 between counties in Region 2 (general public fares are higher). Rides to medical appointments may be covered by health insurance or Medicaid.

Estimated service value: $150–$1,500 a year

The Floyd County Veterans Affairs office is at 101 S. Main Street, Suite 109 in Charles City. Floyd County Veterans General Assistance gives temporary help with basic needs to Floyd County veterans and their spouses who meet income guidelines: utilities, rent, prescriptions, emergency dental care and burial for those who cannot afford it. You need an honorable discharge (DD214), proof of income and an application, and you must be willing to apply for other benefits. Call 641-228-1850.

Estimated cash: about $0 a year